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Xu Xueshi (Academician Xu) said: "In my hometown, there was a woman who frequently yawned and wept sorrowfully without any apparent reason. Some claimed she was possessed by evil spirits, so prayers, exorcisms, and various rituals were performed exhaustively, but to no avail. I suddenly recalled a condition known as Zangzao (Visceral Agitation, characterized by emotional instability due to deficiency of viscera fluids), which presents with sorrowful weeping, a demeanor resembling spiritual possession, and frequent yawning; this is treated with Dazao Tang (Jujube Decoction). I urgently ordered the preparation of the medicine, and after one dose was consumed, she recovered. The ancients' ability to identify diseases and formulate prescriptions was extraordinarily profound; only through trial can its subtleties be understood."

This prescription is indicated for women suffering from Zangzao (Visceral Agitation), presenting with sorrowful weeping, a demeanor resembling spiritual possession, and frequent yawning.
Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 3 liang) Xiaomai (Frumentum Vulgare, 1 sheng) Dazao (Fructus Jujubae, 10 pieces)
Crush the herbs, add 6 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 3 sheng of liquid, remove the dregs, and divide into three warm doses. This formula also tonifies Pi Qi (Spleen Qi). In *Zhuanzhi Furen Fang* (Specialized Formulas for Women's Diseases), it is named Gancao Tang (Licorice Decoction).

The wife of Mr. Cheng Huqing, a respected elder in the village, at four or five months of pregnancy, felt despondent during the day, wept sorrowfully, yawned frequently, and felt as if possessed by something. Both physicians and shamans treated her, but to no benefit. I was fourteen years old, studying in the academy, when I heard of this case. Mr. Cheng, having passed the provincial examination (Shengyuan), was anxious and helpless. I informed Mr. Guan Botong, recalling that my late father had mentioned this condition is called 'Zangzao Sorrow,' and cannot be cured without Dazao Tang (Jujube Decoction). Mr. Huqing borrowed the prescription, was delighted, administered it according to the syndrome, and recovered after just one dose.

Having clarified diseases during pregnancy, one must next understand the taboos and precautions during the confinement period (Zuo Yuezi); thus, this follows.

It is heard that humans are the most spiritual beings, and life is the most precious thing. Everyone knows the value of life, yet few know the methods to nurture it, leading to disease attacking and depleting one before their natural lifespan ends. Alas! If there were no good physicians writing medical texts, errors would be frequent when seeking help in emergencies or sudden crises. Among medical matters, childbirth is the most urgent, with the lives of mother and child hanging in the balance. I have diligently studied medical books, constantly contemplating remedies, and memorizing the works of famous physicians. Moreover, when male and female essence unite, Yin and Yang energies separate; women, being of weaker constitution, suffer from many conditions. Generally, possessing a soft nature and a Blood Viscera (Uterus/Womb), they require specific care during conception, gestation, and pregnancy regarding diet, movement, and rest, often observing taboos to regulate emotions. After delivery, few remain secure, as the process damages the Zang-Fu organs and injures sinews and bones. Slight negligence in postpartum care leads to illness. Worse still, encountering incompetent physicians who prescribe indiscriminately exacerbates suffering, gradually leading to critical danger and death. Is this not painful? Thus, the *I Ching* states: "The greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is generation." Knowing that reproduction is fundamental to existence, how could childbirth endanger life? Reflecting on my own practice, I realize that following routine management and making errors in medication have led to unsafe outcomes for parturient women. A woman delivering two or three times has not yet depleted her Qi and Blood; diet is easily assimilated, and if she regulates her temperament, illness rarely occurs. Even minor issues are easy to treat. However, after four or five deliveries, or even seven or eight, the body is deeply damaged, Qi and Blood are weak, the Zi Zang (Uterus) is deficient, foul blood stagnates internally, and Wind pathogens attack externally. If illness arises, careful diagnosis is essential. If a physician is not meticulous, the condition becomes critical; this is the clear logic of 'physician-induced death' (mismanagement leading to death). Furthermore, in secular families, women nurse infants immediately after birth. Childbirth severely depletes Qi, and lactation deeply injures Blood, draining life force and spirit more than almost anything else. Deviating slightly from proper conduct requires immediate medical attention. Due to poverty, families may not afford generous fees for doctors, leading to physician negligence and rapid deterioration. Alas! Childbirth is no trivial matter. Yet, some physicians, motivated by greed, act with contempt, causing death; this again illustrates the logic of physician-induced death. Before and after delivery, Qi and Blood are unsettled; if one disease arises, many may follow. This is why the ancients wrote formulas and discussions on obstetrics. For instance, Liyu (Carp) and Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) treat Tai Dong (Fetal Restlessness); Xiongqiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) treat Tai Tong (Fetal Pain). However, attributing Tai Dong or Tai Tong solely to these causes is not comprehensive. Fetal restlessness may stem from maternal illness or fetal instability itself; pain is similar. This outlines the general principles, emphasizing the importance of medical expertise. Later developments include Dihuang (Rehmannia Glutinosa) for nourishing Blood, Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) for assisting Qi, Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba/Rubra) for relieving pain, and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) for tonifying Deficiency. Used correctly, their efficacy is miraculous; used incorrectly, it is better not to treat. Thus, one must not practice medicine casually. Given the prevalence of such ailments, I constantly consider using formulas to aid in emergencies, though my learning is not extensive enough for full confidence. Therefore, I have specifically collected obstetric techniques with the aim of widespread dissemination. I also encountered Zan Yin's *Chanbao* (Treasure of Obstetrics, 'Zan' pronounced 'Zigan'), which delves deeply into medical knowledge. During the Dazhong era, Chancellor Bai Minzhong lamented that many women suffered from difficult labor, consulted famous physicians to save lives, and was recommended Zan Yin. The Chancellor summoned him to inquire about obstetrics. Zan Yin then compiled three volumes of prescriptions and presented them to the Chancellor, who valued their conciseness and titled the work *Chanbao*. Although this text exists, few possess it. Eager to cure diseases, I regretted not having a copy at home, so I ventured to write this preface, hoping to open the ears of the multitude. It contains fifty-two chapters and three hundred and seventy-one prescriptions, plus three short essays by Zan Yin appended at the end. May families with pregnant women find this book useful, serving as a knowledgeable teacher within the household. Preface written in the eighth month of autumn in the Ding Si year.